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SLIDER

I Love the Philippines

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Top 5 Things I Love About the Philippines:

1) Family

I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I love how closely knit our family is here. On my dad's side, they're so distant that the only way I know they're still alive is the requisite Christmas and birthday cards that show up every year. Its sad, but we're just not close at all with them. However, visiting the Philippines is the polar opposite - I've got so many cousins, second cousins, aunties, and uncles. I just got used to being called "manang" again (it means older sister in Ilocano). Its such a lovely feeling knowing so many people who are there for you and care about you - even if you only visit every few years.

2) Food

To list a few: bibinka, halo-halo, tocino, toron, ube, buchi, adobo, sinagang, fresh coconuts, delicious mangoes, and the list goes on and on. There are so many foods here that are just simply impossible to recreate in Idaho.

3) Jeepneys

Okay, this might be an odd thing to love, but seriously, I do. I'm a girl who has an intense, personal bubble space that I like to keep, but these jeepneys make it impossible to have that. So why do I love it? Well, I like how it pushes me to be uncomfortable and experience something new. Normally, you're crammed shoulder to shoulder in these vehicles, and I find it amazing how people can squeeze into a spot when its seemingly full!

4) Weather

I dreaded the moment I would step outside the Boise airport. From balmy, humid, tropical weather to freezing cold? I think my body went into shock. I'd been absolutely soaking in the warmth in the Philippines - I'm just not a winter kind of girl. My fingers are permanently frozen and I can never get warm enough here!

5) Attention

Okay, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I kind of secretly like the attention I get there. It can be uncomfortable at times, but...well, it is rather flattering too. From being an average American girl to some sort of local celebrity, it can go to a girl's head. My cousin told me that he'd overheard what others were saying, and he told me they said, "Wow, she's so pretty - she looks like a celebrity!" Seriously, everywhere I went, I got attention. Actually, just a couple nights ago, while I was walking with my family to dinner, some random guy on the street declared his love for me. No joke, after he waved and said "Hi," to me, he continued to call out, "Mahalkita" (I love you) as I walked on by. Its been interesting handling this sort of attention...
I don't let it go to my head because I know they're just not used to seeing foreigners. But it was still nice to hear every now and then! ;)

Anyway, here are a few more photos I wanted to share.

This is my beautiful lola and her amazing tattoos. The story behind them represent one of tribal pride. As she described the tattooing process used and mom translated, I couldn't help cringing. They used needles dipped in paint and then proceeded to "hammer" it into her skin. She had to stay in a separate room to recover after the process and was so swollen she could hardly move. I can't believe she went through that! All in the name of beauty. These tattoos represent a trend from her day and age and also meant that her family had money. Only the rich could afford tattoos.

Check it out. Guess who can check off something from her resolutions list? This girl! Haha, I did karaoke with my cousins during my last day with them. We went swimming at a local pool and burned through stacks of pesos to use the karaoke machine. It was so much fun!

I'll never forget that day - it was one of my favorites.

I'm back home in the US now, and its odd settling back into my life here. Everything feels both familiar yet different. Every little thing that I took for granted feels like a blessing. Like being able to use running water or having a shower head and microwave. Don't take these comforts as a given - not everyone is able to enjoy them! This is why I love going back and visiting the Philippines - it reminds me to be grateful for little things.

I love this post, it made me smile so much. (And I can tell how much fun you had there and how much you love your family, your smile is so infectious in every photo and you look so happy!) I'm so happy that you did a big post on your trip, it's so fascinating to learn a little bit more about your heritage and mother's culture. (and ahhh, that sunshine looks amazing!)

Your grandmother's tattoos are amazing, I always love hearing the stories behind other people's tattoos and hers is so fascinating as a cultural reference to the past. I hope you don't freeze too much now that you're back home, brrr! that's rough going from the lovely sunshine to the cold. :)

Ohh, I love your grandma's tattoo! I also like that it's meaningful! I've heard of the traditional way of getting tattoos and I thought it sounded pretty painful too, haha! Looks like you've had such an amazing experience visiting your family in the Philippines!

Welcome home girl! Im sure you're absolutely hating the freezing cold weather! That warmth and humidity sounds amazing right now. That food looks so good too and all that attention does sound nice ;) I seriously can't imagine not being able to shower, amazing how they live like that! That's something im definitely grateful for.-Jessihaircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

Hi doll, thanks for sharon these amazing memories of your holiday with us. I have personally learnt so much about the Philippines from your posts and narrations, things I'd never have otherwise seen. Your family looks like such a wonderful bunch, and your lola is fascinating, so amazing to see her pride of tattoos! P.S Would loved to have seen the karaoke in video *winks*

Linda, this post is so awesome! I'm so glad you visited your family and connected with everybody. I love how they use a lot of fruit in their desserts. It looks so good! WoW, I can't get over her tatoos. What an amazing woman (such a joy to be connected to you doll). We take way too much for granted! We must be thankful.http://www.averysweetblog.com/

oh, such a lovely post again :) all those tales about your trip are just so sweet and sincere, so enjoyable!btw, I know the life where you don't have running water and it sure is tough but that was summer when I experienced it. don't even want to think how it would be right now when there is -30 degrees C outside..

Hi, Great post. I found you through the blog hop. Now following you.Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance. Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that we just started, It's Weekly Goals Link Up. It's a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. :) Here's the link in case you want to check it out.http://lenettacarnes.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-goals-linkup-3.html Thanks again Lenetta